( Ixi ) 



We mentioned in oiu- last Eeport that we liacl, witliin the year 

 then closing, once more acldi'essecl a communication to the Irish 

 Government, rugging in the strongest manner the impoi'tance of acquiring 

 the Ardagh Cup and Brooches for oru" collection, and we stated that 

 we had reason to hope that oui* continued efforts in this matter would 

 in. the end be crowned with success. The members of the Academy 

 are doubtless aware that those valuable objects have, within the past 

 Session, been deposited^-' — we trust permanently — in the Academy's 

 Museum. The ancient shrine known as the Fiacal PhadiTiig has also 

 been deposited on loan in the Museum by oiu' President. Grold and 

 silver fibulae, and various anticjue objects in bronze, stone, and other 

 materials, have been obtained by presentation or by purchase, chiefly 

 under the Treasure-Trove Eegulations. The particulars of the several 

 objects have been recorded in the published Minutes of the Proceedings. 



The Council have been cUligent in their' endeavour-s to extend 

 the facilities for piu'poses of exhibition afforded by the Academy 

 House. They have succeeded in obtaining an adchtional window 

 and a fireplace in the greater crypt which serves as a Lapidary 

 Museum ; and in the ciypt under the Peading-room they have 

 caused the printed stock of the Academy's Transactions, &c., to 

 be arranged at one side, so as to leave fiu'ther space for Museum pur- 

 poses. But these apartments, and others in the basement which they 

 would desire to connect with them, remain practically inaccessible, 

 from the want of a proper approach. Pespecting the necessity of this 

 they have made representations in the proper quarter ; but as yet, they 

 regi'et to say, without success. 



The Commissioners of Public "Works have conferred a very accep- 

 table boon on the Academy, by constructing open fireplaces in the 

 Library and E,eading-room. All who remember the defects in heating 

 and ventilation, so much complained of in former years, will appreciate 

 this marked addition to the comfort and cheerfulness of our apai-tments. 

 The exterior of the Academy House has been painted, also the 

 front and back halls ; and a new entrance porch has been constructed. 



A considerable number of donations have been made to the Library 

 duiing the year, in addition to the Transactions and Proceedings of 

 British and Foreign Societies, obtained by exchanges. In paiiicular 



* ndc Minute.', "nt'", p. liii. 



